Appreciating the Positive

Yesterday’s game v Ipswich was a good example of how being comfortable in the Championship can be preferable to being in the premiership. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day. I took an MU supporter friend and it was he who pointed out things we just take for granted at PP.

We left home at 2.00 pm, drove 14 miles – straight in to the car park without hassle and no risk to car from vandals. Nice short stroll to the ground with a few minutes to get in the atmosphere etc. We had a good view of the game on a beautiful playing surface. Plenty of refreshments available (I didn’t notice if the pasties had gone up 20% or not). All for a very reasonable per match price.

On this occasion the referee was excellent though this is not often the case. Derby started badly but thanks to Frank stayed level. Ipswich looked a very good side. The game was hotly contested in spite of both being safe in mid-table but was fair and clean throughout with lots of effort and endeavour. In the second half Derby had cottoned on to the need to mark Martin out of the game and Derby had much the better of things. They went close several times but just could not squeeze the ball into the net. The spirit of the game was a credit to both managers.

All Derby players played well. I could single out Fielding, Roberts, Shackell, Buxton, Nailor and Green but it’s unjust to leave anybody out. Leo was MoM deservedly so. Tyson came on and tried too hard I think. I want him to score a couple as he is carrying a severe mental problem. He hasn’t yet scored but it’s not for lack of trying.

After the game we got straight out and were home for 5-30. It was a thoroughly enjoyable hassle free day. Far better than Old Trafford according to my MU fan mate. I know some fans like more than we enjoyed and they are quite right to do so. A bevy or three and a good bit of banter and winding up of the opposition. But the safety and good temper of everybody was there to be appreciated.

OK if you want to concentrate on the negatives you can slate GSE for not throwing millions at the club but as others have seen - that’s no guarantee of success. I much prefer the honest, straight forward team-building approach which Nigel has proved he can do. And while things are coming to fruition, just enjoy each game as they come.